Lake Corangamite is the largest permanent lake in Australia and was listed under the Ramsar Convention in 1982. In the 1950s, the Woady Yaloak Diversion scheme was built to transfer water from the lake to the Barwon River to alleviate flooding on adjacent freehold land.
The scheme reduced flooding issues as intended but it also led to more-frequent low water levels in the lake and increased the lake’s salinity, particularly during the Millennium Drought.
To date, the Cundare Barrage outlet has been enlarged and lowered, and the drainage scheme assets have been maintained at a low operational level. Community concern about increased flood risk has slowed the process for amending the operating rules.
Lake Corangamite is unlikely to be fully restored to its pre-1950s condition, but the action will continue to improve its condition.
In 2022 Corangamite CMA plans to review the operation and continuation of the Woady Yaloak Diversion Scheme after analysing the environmental impact of the system’s operation and predicted and observed climate patterns.
The Progress report confirmed this action is progressing.
Corangamite CMA to review the operation and continuation of the Woady Yaloak Diversion Scheme.
Action status (5-yearly assessment): Partially or not yet achieved
Delivery period: NA
